(Newser)
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Europe would be a single telecom market under a plan proposed by the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, which argues that cheaper broadband and phone service is being held up by conflicting legislation and national monopolies in member countries. Under the plan, a regulatory body would oversee broadband, landline, and mobile business in all 27 EU countries.

Several nations, including Germany and Spain, are expected to oppose the proposal, which will be debated by the European Parliament. It would also have to win approval of member states. Still, the EC's president was optimistic: "From today onwards, a single market without borders for Europe's telecoms operators and consumers is no longer only a dream."